A fierce gubernatorial debate in California saw Trump-endorsed candidate Steve Hilton accused of lying to voters over a central campaign promise to slash gas prices. The allegation emerged during a testy televised exchange among Democratic and Republican hopefuls vying to lead the nation’s most populous state.
The punishing cost of living in California, particularly soaring gas prices, dominated the discussion, highlighting deep partisan divisions. On Tuesday, the average gas price in the state exceeded $6 per gallon, according to AAA.
Democratic candidates, including Xavier Becerra, pointed to Donald Trump and the war in Iran as culprits for the rapid increase at the pump. Conversely, Hilton and fellow Republican Bianco argued that California’s long-standing taxes and regulations are primarily responsible for its higher fuel costs compared to other states.
However, when Hilton asserted he could reduce gas prices to $3 a gallon, San Jose’s Democratic Mayor Matt Mahan swiftly retorted, "You’re lying to people." Hilton, who has Donald Trump’s endorsement, responded, "Donald Trump is the president in all the other states in America where the cost of living is way lower than in California."
The debate unfolded as mail voting was already underway for the primary election, which concludes on June 2. Candidates viewed the matchup as a critical juncture, with a national audience tuning in on CNN. They are competing to succeed Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited, and to govern one of the world’s largest economies.
Both Bianco and Hilton contended that Democrats have worsened the lives of California’s nearly 40 million residents during their more than 15 years in the governor’s office, advocating for a change in leadership.
The contest takes place as California grapples with a persistent homelessness crisis, shortages in wildfire insurance, projected budget shortfalls, and housing costs that remain out of reach for many working-class families. Voters are also contending with rising everyday expenses for groceries, utilities, and gas.
Donald Trump, widely unpopular in California outside his conservative base, was frequently denounced by Democrats, while Republicans portrayed him as a convenient scapegoat for the state’s Democratic leadership failures. "Yes, I’m going to repeat Donald Trump as often as I have to because he’s the real menace that we have in California," Becerra stated. Democrat Porter bluntly added, "Donald Trump sucks."
Candidates also sparred over tax policy. Only Democrat Steyer expressed support for a one-time tax on billionaires, likely to appear on the November ballot, indicating he would seek further tax increases.
Porter, however, deemed the tax too narrow to effect real change. Mahan, who advocates for suspending the state’s gas tax, criticized his fellow Democrats for focusing too much on expanding government rather than improving its efficiency. Hilton pledged to make the first $100,000 of income tax-free for residents.
Beyond policy, candidates sought opportunities to undermine their rivals. Becerra faced scrutiny over the federal indictment of his chief of staff and others, including a former top Newsom aide, for allegedly stealing campaign money.
The indictment claims the scheme was designed to inflate the chief of staff’s salary while Becerra served as federal health secretary, and that several individuals have pleaded guilty. While Becerra has not been implicated, Villaraigosa and Hilton questioned his judgment, with Hilton vowing to push the state attorney general to investigate Becerra if elected. "If I had been involved, the U.S. attorney would have had me in that indictment. I was not involved," Becerra asserted.
Bianco faced questions regarding his decision to seize over half a million ballots in Riverside County to investigate unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, an investigation the state Supreme Court ultimately halted.
Porter was asked about a new ad humorously referencing an embarrassing video from last year showing her loudly berating a staffer. Porter responded that it demonstrated her ability to "take responsibility," adding, "If these boys bullying and bickering hasn’t been enough to raise questions about their temperament, I would really challenge that." Hilton, meanwhile, declined to answer when pressed on whether Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.
California’s unique primary system places all candidates on a single ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.
Democrats have expressed concern that their crowded field could result in two Republicans progressing, which would be an unprecedented setback for the party. The GOP has not secured a statewide election victory in California in two decades, and registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by approximately 2 to 1 statewide.
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